How common is colon cancer?

Colon cancer is declining in adults 65 and above, according to recent research by the American Cancer Society (ACS).¹ The reason? Lifestyle changes partnered with timely screenings.

While this is fantastic news, colon cancer rates have continued to spike for younger people at a pace that is quite concerning. A similar study revealed an unnerving truth: From fifth place in 1994, colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in people under 50.²

How did we get here?

The facts are quite sobering. Recent studies that were published in January 2026 revealed that colorectal cancer:

• Has become the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for adults under the age of 50²
• Remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death among Americans, behind lung cancer¹
• Is the only type where its mortality rate has increased since 2005, compared to the 4 other leading causes of cancer death²

3 in 4 patients younger than 50 are diagnosed with advanced colon cancer.³ The reasons for this development remain unclear, and more research is needed. Experts believe that it’s a mix of lifestyle and low awareness of how important it is to get screened.

Mixed signals

Colon cancer can take a long time to develop, and shares symptoms with other illnesses such as hemorrhoids, IBS, and diverticulitis. It’s also easy for women to dismiss these symptoms as menstrual or gynecological issues. This overlap can make them easy to ignore. Symptoms to watch out for include:

• Persistent diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stools
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Abdominal discomfort (e.g., cramping, gas, or pain)
• Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or weakness (often due to anemia)
• Low red blood cell count (detected via blood work)

Know your risk

The American Cancer Society recommends that people of average risk start screening at age 45.⁴ Average risk means that you:

• Don’t have a personal or first-degree family history of colon cancer
• Haven’t had a positive result from past colon cancer screenings
• Don’t have a personal history of certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), chronic ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

If you don’t meet these standards, you may be considered high-risk. Talking with your health care provider is highly recommended, no matter your age.

Change the course

All right, let’s all take a deep breath. That was a lot to take in, but all is not lost.

On the other side of the coin, colon cancer is one of the most preventable kinds of cancer. When caught in its early stages, it’s survivable in about 90% of people.^5* So what can you do?

Well, the fact that you’re reading this article means you’re already on the right path. Information, together with action, is the key to getting ahead. Lifestyle changes also play a huge part: quit smoking, avoid or drink alcohol sparingly, exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight, eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and eat less red and processed meats – these are some of the ways to lower your risk for colon cancer.

But above all…

Get screened, get screened, get screened

Do it. If you’re 45 or older, make getting screened for colon cancer a priority. If you don’t have a doctor, look for one. If you do have a doctor, talk to them about your screening options. Because ultimately, the only way to detect colon cancer early is through screening.

If you're the type who likes to have options, you’ve got them! Several, in fact. Average-risk individuals can go for a colonoscopy — but there are also tests that you can use at your own time, and at your own place.

One of them is the Cologuard^®, an FDA-approved stool test that can be used at home. Known to be safe, noninvasive, and simple to use, you can ask your doctor to write a prescription or request one online.

Let’s win this battle

The stats saying that colon cancer is now more common among people under 50 can be reversed.

Rather than feeling hopeless, this is a call for all of us to take better care of ourselves, break the stigma, and spread the word about getting screened for colon cancer to our family and friends.

This way, we can laugh and share more good times with the ones we love for years and years to come.